SAN DIEGO -- Mission: To Normalize and Civilianize PTS, thereby eliminating the Stigma associated with it.

Stigma Kills - there we said it. Simple, aggressive, blunt and to the point. Hundreds of people, each and every month, will take their own lives while struggling with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). They do so, quite simply, because people treat them like "they are crazy", if they are brave enough to raise their hands and ask for support.

"Today (4/8/2015) we said goodbye to yet another young, high school educated, 0311 combat Marine who lost his struggles with PTSD and the prospect of civilian life without his legs and his Marines. Art was not unique, he was tough as nails, upbeat and funny in the most trying of circumstances. Happy as a clam one day, gone the next. He is yet another example of why I have committed my life to changing the distressing levels of veteran suicides related to either their struggles with PTSD combined with the prospect of civilian life in general. Sadly, I can name way too many young veterans who have left us too early because society, the military and the stigma around PTSD makes it too damn hard for them to reach out and agree to accept help.”

My name is Rick Collins, I am a British veteran who is lucky enough to be able to raise a family here and to call this great nation home. Since 2011 I have been fighting this fight and I need you to join me.” - RJC

WHY? On one side - veterans and civilians alike, are trying to cope with PTSD. They are doing so despondent, self-medicated and alone, and all too often they end up killing themselves. On the other side - care givers with alternative treatment protocols, adaptive sports, healing camps, educational resources, buddy systems, and those who have learned to cope, are standing by to help...The reality is, that these two demographics could not be further apart, and as long as the stigma associated with PTSD prevents those struggling with it from seeking help, we will continue to bury them.

Can We Do It? Unlike other life threatening challenges, (Cancer, ALS, Autism, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s etc.) we don’t need to spend decades of time or billions of dollars to change the PTSD narrative. We can do it now for pennies on the dollar by focusing on prevention through education, while using today's technology, instead of waiting until more intensive treatments and emergency measures are needed. These deaths, thousands each and every year, are for the most part, totally preventable if we can simply, and honestly, begin a dialogue with those who struggle with PTSD. Our goal is to develop a national technology based (on-line, smart app, web/cloud based) PTSD Community platform where those struggling with PTSD are offered proactive education and connections to those most qualified to support them. It really isn’t rocket science.

With Just 17 days left in this first phase of our fundraising program, your support is urgently needed! Please seriously consider our campaign and make a contribution. Also, please consider getting involved, at whatever level you can, and help “Carry the Challenge” get funded!

We need your help: If you can't afford to donate, don't worry - there are plenty of other ways you can help. Please take some time to share our campaign across your social networks and encourage your friends and family to donate.

For more information, or to learn more please contact us at: Info@CarryTheChallenge.org


Contact
RICK COLLINS